Iowa Wrestling once again had a fantastic 2022-2023 season, finishing second at the NCAA Tournament last March. In doing so the Hawkeyes crowned 6 All-Americans and once again had a wrestler reach the finals. Iowa finished the season with an impressive 15-1 record.

Graduation has left a few spots in the line-up with three of the six All-Americans, running out of eligibility. At the start of the 2023-2024 season, Iowa will look to replace 3X NCAA Champion Spencer Lee at 125 lbs. All-American Max Murin at 149 lbs, and 4X All-American Jacob Warner at 197. These three leave some big shoes to fill, but Iowa has some absolute studs stepping into the line-up to replace them.

Luckily for the Hawkeyes, they were one of three teams that really cleaned up from the transfer portal this summer! During the off season Iowa landed Joey Cruz, Victor Voinovich, Michael Caliendo,  and Jared Franek, These additions make a tough Iowa team even tougher.

The following is a weight by weight breakdown, of what I expect the lineup to look like at the start of next season.

125 Drake Ayala, Drake will look to pick up where Spencer left off. I expect him to have a fantastic season, Drake was 13-1 last season with his only loss coming to Spencer Lee. Drake is an excellent wrestler and has the potential to climb very high on the podium.

Drake will be challenged for the starting spot by Oklahoma transfer Joey Cruz. Cruz is a freshman with four years of eligibility remaining. Cruz went 2-2 as a red-shirt before sustaining an ankle injury.

133 Brody Teske, Brody finished the 2022-2023 season with a 10-6 record. He qualified for the NCAA tournament for the third straight time going 1-2 at the tournament. Brody missed a lot of the season battling injuries, with a full season under his belt, this could be the year he finally reaches the podium.

Cullan Schriever, brings in a career record of 29-12. He has served the Hawkeyes the last few seasons in the back-up position, and will again start the season in that same role. The potential is there, for Cullan to be the man, he has the skills and desire to go far, and I’m sure he is looking to make his mark in the sport. However, he will have to take that spot from a very  game Brody Teske.

141 Real Woods, Real is back for his senior season! Already a 3X All-American, Real is hoping to improve on his runner-up finish from a year ago. Real finished the season with a 20-1 record, with 12 bonus point victories. He is a team leader and an absolute hammer from the top position. I expect another great year out of Real Woods and another run to the NCAA finals.

149 We have a few new faces at 149 that will contend for the starting spot. While both are new to the starting line-up, they both have the potential to land vary high on the podium next March.

Victor Voinovich spent last season at Oklahoma State and was the lone freshman in the lineup. Victor has a career record of 33-14 and went 2-2 at the NCAA tournament last season. He has a quality win over  former all-american Jaden Abas. With numerous graduations at 149 last season, Victor has a very good chance to find himself on the podium next March.

As good as Victor is, he has a very stiff test ahead of him, just to crack the starting line-up. Caleb Rathjen, is a force to be reckoned with. His aggressive in your face style breaks opponents. Caleb showed how good he is at the inaugural Soldiers Salute, by making the finals after defeating a very tough Anthony Echmendia 4-3 in the semifinals.  Later in the season he bumped up a weight class to battle  #3 ranked Kendall Coleman of Purdue. Caleb lost a tough 3-2 decision, but proved he could compete with the divisions elite.

157 Cobe Siebrecht, Cobe was a pleasant surprise last season! When the year started the weight class was a complete unknown, however Cobe rose to the occasion week after week defying the odds and working his way up the rankings! Not only did he win big matches and hang tough in the ones he lost, but more often than not his matches were some of the most exciting of the day. Unfortunately he suffered some sort of elbow injury late in the season and struggled at BIGS and the NCAA tournament. If he is able to improve as much as he did last year in the this post season, the sky is the limit for this young man.

Jared Franek, Jared is a huge get for the Hawkeyes, and will likely enter the season ranked #1 or #2 in the country depending on which weight Levi Haines winds up at.  With a career record of 102-22, Franek has but one goal left in college, and that is to win an NCAA title.

165 Patrick Kennedy, had a fantastic season, and even though he didn’t reach the podium at the NCAA Tournament he still completed a solid year. 165 was one of the deepest weight classes I had ever seen with three returning NCAA Champions and one NCAA Runner-Up. Despite all that Kennedy met all challenges head on and beat some of the best in the division, earning a 21-5 record on the year and a second place finish at the Big 10 tournament. If he continues to improve, I’m sure he will find a spot on the podium next March.

Incoming transfer Michael Caliendo, from North Dakota State will also contend for the starting spot for the Hawkeyes. Caliendo is a returning all-american and a serious addition to the team. As of now its unsure which of these two will start for the team as they are both blue chip recruits capable of landing very high on the podium in March. Caliendo finished 29-5 last season and was 7th at the NCAA meet. He has a quality win over former NCAA Champion Shane Griffith.

174 Nelson Brands, Nelson had an outstanding 2023 season, ending the year with a 15-8 record after going 5-2 at the NCAA tournament! Nelson will be looking to improve on his 5th place at the national tournament, and he should start the season ranked very high. Its Nelson’s senior season and he will be looking to go out with a bang. The sky is the limit as to how far he could climb this season.

Incoming freshman Gabe Arnold, will be joining the team next season. The hype behind this kid is sky high, and he looks poised to make an immediate impact for the team. I expect him to red-shirt this season, but we will likely see him compete in several duals throughout the season. It will be exciting to see what he has to offer.

184 Abe Assad, Abe is back for another year and will be looking to improve on last season which saw him go 19-6 on the season and again qualify for the NCAA tournament. Assad has battled some injuries along the way, it would be great to see him healthy and competing to his fullest potential.

197 With the graduation of 5X all-american Jacob Warner, Iowa has some big shoes to fill. Two talented wrestlers will contend for the starting spot.

Kolby Franklin, Kolby is a freshman on the team and compiled a 14-6 overall record last season while wrestling unattached. Kolby has a close 4-3 decision victory over Zach Glazier, from last years Solider Salute, so he will enter as the favorite.

Zach Glazier brings in a career record of 30-7, and has mostly competed either unattached or serving as a backup to Warner.

HWT Tony Cassioppi, already a 4X all-american, Big Tony is back for his senior season and looking to win his first National Title. With the graduation of Gable Steveson and now Mason Parris, there seems to be a path for Cassioppi to finish on top. Tony has a career record of 97-17 with 40 falls!

As you can see, this Iowa team is once again loaded top to bottom and without any glaring holes in the lineup they will be a nightmare to compete against in dual meets. With the potential for 6 to 9 all-americans, they will also be a formidable tournament team as well.

Relax and enjoy your stay at Beech Bend’s Campground!  Gently nestled in the “bend” of the Barren River lined with hundreds of “beech” trees is where the name Beech Bend was derived and began entertaining guests as a picnic area dating back to the late 1800’s.  Beech Bend Campground is located at 798 Beech Bend Park Rd, in Bowling Green, Kentucky! For more information, click here.

The Beech Bend Campground has numerous camping options available, they have tent, RV, and even cabins available for rent. So no matter how you prefer to camp, you will find just what your looking for at Beech Bend Campground. The campground has over 400 sites available, and the cabins are brand new!

Fishing is also available on the Barren River, however a Kentucky fishing license is required. Beech Bend Campground has two restroom and shower facilities located in the campground for your convenience.  A coin-operated laundromat is also available in one of the bath houses. WIFI is available for an additional fee.

The main attraction at the campground however is its close proximity to Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon as well as Beech Bend Raceway! All three attractions are just a short stroll away from the campground.

The campgrounds are open 365 days a year. They have 411 campsites.  All the sites are first come first serve. They do not take reservations for campsites. The camping rates are for up to four people per campsite and include 13.42% Kentucky sales tax.  There is a $5 per person, per night fee for more than four people per site. To check camping prices, click here.

Nearby attractions include: The incredible Lost River Cave, Mammoth Cave National Park, Dinosaur World, the Corvette Museum, Diamond Caverns, and of course the famous Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon! There is so much to see and do in the area, you could stay all summer.

For more great lodging and campground options in Kentucky, click here. For the best parks and amazing locations in the area, click here. For the best family activities, and adventures, click here.

Mathiessen State Park

Matthiessen State Park is located just 2.5 miles south of the famous Starved Rock!  Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology, as well as recreation. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. The main hiking trails are separated into two sections by a 45 foot drop from  the upper dells to the lower dells.  The trails navigate you through the limestone canyon, and feature stunning sites, including a cave, towering bluffs, and several waterfalls. Come visit Matthiessen State Park and find out why it’s considered one of Illinois’s best kept secrets! Matthiessen State Park is an Illinois state park located a few miles south of the more famous Starved Rock State Park. The main entrances to both parks are located on Illinois State Route 178, the entrance is located at 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL. For more information, click here.

Garden Of The Gods

Easily the most popular attraction at Shawnee National Forest .  This garden of sandstone sculptures and vast untouched wilderness was fittingly named Garden of the Gods. The park contains a variety of plant and animal life, adding to the scenic beauty of the Shawnee Forest. There are also plenty of trails for backpacking and horseback riding, allowing nature lovers a welcome tour of what this rugged environment has to offer! Garden Of The Gods is located in the Shawnee National Forest in Hardin, Pope, Saline, and Gallatin counties of Illinois. For more information, click here.

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Mississippi Palisades Is and enchanting park located in Savanna Illinois overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.  Caves, unique rock formations, twisting trails and  tall trees make this park incredible incredible anytime of year.  The park boasts an impressive trail system, with more than 15 miles of winding through rugged terrain. Mississippi Palisades State Park is located at 16327A IL-84, Savanna, Il. For more information, click here.

Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area

Hiking with Shawn

Bell Smith Springs is one of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. The area features an abundance of strange and wonderful rock formations, such as Devil’s Backbone, Boulder Falls and a natural rock bridge. Hiking this system of trails is a favorite activity because of the rock features, scenic overlooks, hidden springs and lush flora and fauna. Bell Smith Springs is located at Bell Smith Springs Rd, Ozark, IL. For more information, click here.

Starved Rock State Park

Tonya Boyd Photography

When its comes to beautiful scenery, very few parks in the Midwest can compare to Starved Rock State Park.  Whether you enjoy hiking along the nature trails or viewing the many spectacular overlooks along the Illinois River, recreational opportunities abound. In 1966 Starved Rock State Park was named a National Historic Landmark, and now boosts more than 13 miles of well marked hiking trails, 18 canyons, and 14 different waterfalls!  From picnicking to fishing to boating, from horseback riding to camping to enjoying winter sports, there’s so much to do that you’ll want to come back again and again. Starved Rock State Park is situated along the south bank of the Illinois River, less than 100 miles from Chicago, at 2668 E 875th Rd., Oglesby, IL 61348. For more information, click here.

Cave in Rock State Park

Cave in Rock State Park, is located in Cave in Rock, a sleepy town in southern Illinois. The park is located on the banks of the Ohio River, and is available for camping and hiking year round. Visitors can explore inside the cave on foot, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Ohio River from within! The cave has also been featured in popular culture, dating back to 1956, when Walt Disney Productions shot Davy Crockett and the river pirates.  Cave in Rock State Park is located at 1 New State Park Road, Cave in Rock Illinois. For more information, click here.

Giant City State Park

This picture is owned by Michael Flavin

At Giant City State Park, you will be in awe of the incredible rock formations that were forged some 12,000 years ago. There are several trails here for you to explore. Other than the 12 mile Red Cedar Hiking Trail, the rest are fine for people of more limited abilities. Giant City Stone Fort Site is currently an abandoned pile of rocks that used to be a stone enclosure that was built around 600-900 AD. There are actually about 10 of these old structures in the area, and they are believed to have been either former military forts or ceremonial temples. Giant City State Park is located at 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL. For more information, click here.

Rim Rock Recreation Area

The Rim Rock Recreation Area & Trail is located in Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois, if you haven’t already heard this area is a hotbed for outdoor adventure! To take advantage of this historic beauty, take Highway 34 to Karbers Ridge Road and turn East. Follow Karbers Ridge Road 8.3 miles to the Rim Rock entrance road. For more information, click here.  The Rim Rock area is broken up into two sections the Upper Trail and the Lower Trail. The Upper Trail is paved and is wheelchair accessible with assistance. The trail leads guests past the remnants of a Native American rock wall and offers stunning views of the valley below. About halfway through this trail you will find the staircase providing access to Rim Rock’s lower trail. This is a challenging hike, but its also very rewarding.

Millstone Bluffs

First off I need to warn you, this trail is not for the faint of heart. It’s an excruciating vertical hike. However, if you make it all the way to the top, it is quite a rewarding jot. To reach Millstone Bluffs in Southern Illinois take IL-145 to IL-147. In 1.4 miles look for the signage on the right for Millstone Bluffs. Continue for 0.3 miles to the parking lot and enjoy this rare glimpse into Native American History. The area is known as Millstone Bluff, and the trail offers a unique peak into a prehistoric Native American community offers more variety than any other archaeological dig in Southern Illinois. If a challenging hike isn’t what your looking for, you can still view the spectacular towering bluffs from the parking lot. This really is a sight to be seen as the bluffs stick out like a sore thumb from the surrounding flat terrain. For more information, click here.

Castle Rock State Park

Castle Rock State Park is located three miles south of Oregon, Illinois on Highway 2 located along the west bank of the Rock River in Ogle County. The park is spread out across 2,000 acres of rolling topography, and includes six miles of marked hiking trails, and a public boat ramp/parking facility is located across from the park’s main entrance. Castle Rock is named after a sandstone bluff, adjacent to the river, that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding river valley.  The picnic area includes tables, shelters, grills, toilets, drinking water and playground equipment. The park is located at 1365 W. Castle Rd. Oregon Illinois For more information click here.